Trombonist Siyalo Zulu will be leading his sextet in a performance at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Wednesday 16 October. This will be a very special performance as the six piece band presents “The Concrete Jungle”, a project the UKZN music graduate and music teacher is excited to reveal.

“I will be debuting some new material which is an amalgamation of different diasporic sounds and cultures from various demographics into a body of work utilizing sonic vibration” he told Jazz It Out. It tells a common narrative of knowing where one comes from in terms of culture and heritage to determine where they are going. In a nutshell, one’s roots is essential for knowing their path.

Trombonist Siyalo Zulu. Picture by MfikiNation Photography

“The conceptual idea is hugely influenced by my culture, family, friendship, upbringing and where I am currently through this journey of life”, he said. The music will be presented in a Jazz idiom fused with sounds that are intergenerational. Zulu’s versatility is evident through musicians he has recorded and performed with in his career, making him one of the most sought after trombonists.

He is a protégé of Dr Brian Thusi and Khulekani Bhengu who played a major role in nurturing his talent. The duo taught him a lot of musical discipline and hard work. In 2014, he passed the audition that saw him accepted as a member of the KwaZulu Natal Youth Wing Band. This made him listen to more Jazz and earned small gigs at a young age.

Ready to reveal his project. Picture by Siphiwe Mhlambi

Zulu’s sextet comprises of drummer Riley Giandhari, bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, pianist Sibonelo Nxumalo, trumpeter Thabo Sikhakhane, vocalist Zoe Masuku a.k.a. Zoe The Seed accompanying the bandleader on trombone. Siyalo invites you to experience a journey emotional soundscapes that reflect both history and contemporary influences.

UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus. Tickets are R110 for general admission, R80 for pensioners and R50 students. Patrons are requested to be seated by 17h30.